McKinney, Texas — Riding behind the wheel of a new car is a pretty cool way to roll into summer, and that's exactly what McKinney ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Tommy Gillett from Burks Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year Reagan Brannon from Faubion Middle School are doing, thanks to Eldorado Chevrolet and Mazda in McKinney.
McKinney ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Reagan Brannon from Faubion Middle School
It's part of a decade long tradition that, over the years, has seen the two McKinney ISD district Teachers of the Year driving away in everything from Camaros to Mazda CX-5s to Tahoes—free of charge for a year. The tradition continued on Friday, May 15, as Gillett slid behind the wheel of a sharp-looking new black Trailblazer RS and Brannon settled into a red Trailblazer RS of her own.
McKinney ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Tommy Gillett from Burks Elementary
"It's a really nice gesture, them letting us use a car," said Brannon. "This is a great honor and a really cool experience. I appreciate Eldorado for showing support for teachers in our district by allowing us to drive these cars."
Gillett was equally grateful. "It just makes you feel really appreciated and makes you feel seen as a teacher," he said. "It makes me feel like teachers are really acknowledged for the hard work that they do, and I just want to motivate and inspire other teachers that it can happen to them, too. It just makes you feel really supported and valued."
Reagan Brannon (left) and Tommy Gillett with the new ChevyTrailblazers they'll drive free of charge courtesy of Eldorado Chevrolet in McKinney
General Sales Manager Jas Gill said that Eldorado is happy to continue the longstanding tradition. "It's a great day today," he said. "Once again, we are honoring two McKinney ISD teachers that have been selected as Teacher of the Year. We put them in a new car to drive for a year, and that's a great honor for us. McKinney ISD is one of the best districts with some of the best teachers that we get to meet all the time."